Article of apparel including thermoregulatory textile

ABSTRACT

An article of apparel and method of making the article of apparel for a wearer is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the article of apparel comprises a fabric defining a first, inner surface facing the wearer, and a second, outer surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of compression areas are formed along the inner fabric surface, each compression area comprising compressed yarns. A sealing agent effective to reduce the air permeability of the fabric is applied to each compression area. The sealing agent secures the yarns in a compressed state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/607,318, filed Jan. 28, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/932,480, filed Jan. 28, 2014,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to an article of apparel and, inparticular, a garment including a textile adapted to regulate thermalconditions of the wearer and methods of forming the textile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The heat retention of a planar textile structure generally increaseswith increasing thickness. As thickness of the textile increases,however, resistance to the passage of moisture also increases. Thisresults in apparel that, while warming, can cause the skin to be coveredwith uncomfortable perspiration. Accordingly, it would be desirable toform apparel from a textile that, while light, is capable of heatretention and transfers perspiration from the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An article of apparel and method of making the article of apparel for awearer is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the article ofapparel comprises a fabric defining a first, inner surface facing thewearer, and a second, outer surface opposite the first surface. Aplurality of compression areas are formed along the inner fabricsurface, each compression area comprising compressed yarns. A sealingagent effective to reduce the air permeability of the fabric is appliedto each compression area. The sealing agent secures the yarns in acompressed state.

In at least one embodiment, an article of apparel formed from a textiledefines an inner surface configured to face a wearer and an outersurface opposite the inner surface. The textile includes a generallycontinuous first textile portion and a discontinuous second textileportion. The discontinuous second textile portion comprises a pluralityof spacer elements extending distally from the first textile portion,each of the spacer elements oriented in spaced relation from adjacentspacer elements to define a gap between adjacent spacer elements. Theplurality of spacer elements include a plurality of expanded spacerelements and a plurality of compressed spacer elements, each of thecompressed spacer elements being secured in its compressed state by asealing agent applied as a discontinuous pattern exposed along the innersurface of the textile. The discontinuous pattern is such that thesealing agent contacts each of the first textile portion and the secondtextile portion along a continuous stretch extending between at leasttwo of the compressed spacer elements.

In yet another embodiment, a method of making an article of apparel isdisclosed. The article of apparel includes an inner surface configuredto face a wearer and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. Themethod comprises providing a generally continuous first textile portionand a discontinuous second textile portion. The discontinuous secondtextile portion includes a plurality of spacer elements extendingdistally from the first textile portion, each of the spacer elementsoriented in spaced relation from adjacent spacer elements to define agap between adjacent spacer elements. The method further comprisesapplying a sealing agent to a subset of the spacer elements to secureeach spacer elements of the subset in a compressed state and resultingin a plurality of expanded spacer elements and a plurality of compressedspacer elements. The sealing agent is applied as a discontinuous patternexposed along the inner surface of the textile, the discontinuouspattern contacting each of the first textile portion and the secondtextile portion along a continuous stretch extending between at leasttwo of the compressed spacer elements of the subset.

In at least one embodiment, the textile includes a base layer and aspacer layer defined by a plurality of bosses extending from the baselayer. The bosses are oriented in a grid pattern, being spaced apart todefine gaps for air circulation. Selected bosses are mechanicallycompressed and secured in the compressed state utilizing an adhesivecomposition. The adhesive composition may further include heatinsulating or heat reflective particles. The resulting textile may beutilized to form articles of apparel, including garments such as shirts,pants, coats, footwear and underwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the front face of the textile for formingan article of apparel in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the front face of the textileshown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic of the front face of the textile shownin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates top plan view of the rear face of the textile shownin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the textile shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a textile in accordancewith the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate schematic views of the front face of thetextile, showing spacer elements in a brickwork pattern (FIG. 3A) andcheckerboard pattern (FIG. 3B).

FIGS. 4A and 4B each illustrates a gravure apparatus to apply theadhesive composition to the textile.

FIG. 5A illustrates an adhesive pattern in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 5B illustrates an adhesive pattern layout in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram including steps of forming the textile

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the front face of the textile, showingselected spacer elements being secured by adhesive strip.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross sectional view of the textile, showingcompressed and expanded spacer elements.

FIG. 8 illustrates an article of apparel formed from the textile of FIG.1A.

Like numerals refer to like components throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the textile 10 according to the inventionincludes a first or outer layer or portion 105 and a second or innerlayer or portion 110. The inner textile portion 110 is oriented suchthat it faces the wearer, i.e., it is oriented closer to the wearer thanthe outer textile portion 105 (i.e., the inner portion defines the faceside of the fabric). In an embodiment, the inner portion 110 is incontact the wearer's skin. The inner textile portion 110 isdiscontinuous, being defined by one or more spacer elements 115 orbosses oriented in spaced relation from each other. Each spacer element115 extends distally from the inner surface of the first textile portion105, toward the wearer. The spacer elements 115 may possess anydimensions (size/shape) suitable for its described purpose (space thefirst textile layer 105 from the skin of the wearer and/or fluidmovement). By way of example, the spacer elements 115 may possess agenerally cylindrical shape (e.g., a right cylinder), or may be apolygon, possessing, e.g., a generally rectangular or a generally squareshape. The diameter (length and/or width) of the spacer element 115 maybe approximately up to 2 cm (e.g., 0.5 mm-5 mm). The height of thespacer element 115 may be approximately 0.10-6 mm. In a preferredembodiment, the spacer elements 115 are generally square, possessinglength of approximately 2 mm and a width of approximately 2 mm.Referring to FIGS, 2A and 2B, the distal end of the spacer elements 115may be generally square, or may be configured with a tapered 210 orrounded 215 edge, which assists in fluid roll off (explained in greaterdetail below).

The spacer elements 115 are arranged in a predetermined pattern alongthe interior surface of the first textile portion 105 such that channelsor gaps between adjacent elements. In an embodiment, the spacer elements115 are disposed in an array. By way of example, the spacer elements 115form a matrix, i.e., a rectangular array of elements ordered in columns120 and rows 125 (FIG. 1A). With this configuration, a plurality ofintersecting, elongated channels is defined between the rows andcolumns. Specifically, first or vertical channels 130 (from theviewpoint of FIG. 1A) are defined between adjacent columns 120, whilehorizontal channels 135 are defined between adjacent rows 125. Thechannels 130, 135 intersect each other at right angles to form a channelgrid. The first channel 130 may possess the same dimensions as thesecond channel 135, or may possess different dimensions. In anembodiment, the first channel 130 may include a transverse dimension(width/height) that is less than the transverse dimension of the secondchannel 135 (i.e., the channels 135 between rows 125 are wider than thechannels 130 between columns 120). By way of example, the ratio of thetransverse dimension of the second channel 135 to the transversedimension of the first channel 130 may be in the range of 1:1-4:1 (e.g.,2:1, 3:1, etc.). By way of specific example, the horizontal channel 135may be approximate 1 mm wide, while the vertical channel 130 may beapproximately 0.5 mm wide.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in another embodiment of the invention, the arrayis an offset matrix in which adjacent rows 125 and columns 120 areoffset from each other such that the channels 130, 135 do not extend thefull width/length of the textile (i.e., the channels are interrupted byspacer elements). Referring to FIG. 3B, furthermore, the spacer elements115 may be offset along the columns and rows such that the elements areoriented in a checkerboard style layout. In this configuration, noelongated channels are formed; instead, pockets 140 are defined betweenadjacent elements 115 along the rows 120 and columns 125.

Referring to FIG. 1D, the back face of the textile 10 (the surfacefacing outward, away from the wearer) may be smooth or substantiallysmooth. For example, the outer surface of the first textile portion 105,while possessing a texture, does not include spacer elements extendingfrom its outer surface.

The textile 10—the first textile portion 105 and the second textileportion 110—may be formed of the same or similar yarn. By way ofexample, the textile portions 105, 110 may be formed of hydrophobic yarnsuch as polyester or polypropylene. In another embodiment, the textileportions 105, 110 may be formed of hydrophilic yarn such as cotton orwool. In still other embodiments, the textile portions 105, 110 may beformed of a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns. In apreferred embodiment, the textile 10 (the first 105 and second 110textile portions) is formed of hydrophobic yarn (e.g., polyester)provided with hydrophilic properties, e.g., via chemical treatment (suchas a conventional wicking finish).

In other embodiments, the first textile portion 105 and the secondtextile portion 110 are formed of yarns having different properties. Byway of example, the second textile portion 110 may be formed ofuntreated hydrophobic yarn and the first textile portion 105 may beformed of hydrophobic yarn treated such that it possesses hydrophilicproperties 110. By way of further example, the second textile portion110 may be formed of hydrophobic yarns and the first textile portion 105may be formed of hydrophilic yarns. By way of still further example, theyarns of the first portion 105 and/or the second portion 110 may betreated with a durable water repellant (DWR) composition. Additionally,the denier of the yarns forming the first 105 and second 110 portionsmay differ (e.g., the denier of the first portion yarns may be greaterthan the denier of the second portion yarns).

With the above configuration, a textile 10 including channels 130, 135or pockets 140 is formed. The spacer elements 115 and the channels 130,135 or pockets 140 cooperate to control movement of fluid within andthrough the textile 10. Regarding liquid, the structure drives liquidfrom the second textile portion 110 to the first textile portion 105.Specifically, when fluid contacts the surface of a spacer element 115,it is drawn/moved along the length/height of the spacer element and intothe first textile portion 105, where it diffuses/spreads. Additionally,when liquid falls directly into a channel 130, 135 or pocket 140, theliquid immediately contacts the first textile portion 105 where itdiffuses/spreads.

Alternatively, when the spacer elements 115 are non-wicking and/orhydrophobic, the liquid may contact the spacer elements 115, rolling offthe spacer element into the channel 130, 135 or pocket 140. To this end,as mentioned above, the spacer elements 115 may be configured with atapered 210 or rounded 215 edge, assisting in fluid roll off (FIG. 2B).

With these configurations, liquid from the user (i.e., sweat) isimmediately directed from the spacer element 115 and into a channel 130,135 or pocket 140. In other words, liquid is directed from the secondtextile portion 110 to the first textile portion 105, where the liquidis held away from the skin of the wearer. This improves wearer comfort.

It should be noted that the yarn may be selected to impart desired fluidabsorption characteristics to the textile. That is, the first textileportion 105 may possess a first sorptivity (capillary action) value andthe second textile portion 110 may possess a second sorptivity(capillary action) value. In an embodiment, the first sorptivity valueis greater than the second sorptivity value (e.g., when the firstportion is hydrophilic and the second portion is hydrophobic). Inanother embodiment, the first sorptivity value is less than or equal tothe second sorptivity value. In a preferred embodiment, the firsttextile portion 105 generates greater capillary action (and thuspossesses higher fluid sorptivity) than the second textile portion 110.

It should also be understood that while the textile portions 105, 110may be generally hydrophobic or hydrophilic, the relative degree of therelevant property may differ. For example, while the first textileportion 105 and the second textile portion 110 may be consideredhydrophobic, the second textile portion 110 may be less hydrophobic thanthe first textile portion 105 (and vice versa), i.e., the second textileportion experiences a greater moisture pick-up under a standardatmosphere (moisture pick up being measured by the mass of absorbed andadsorbed water that is held by a material). Similarly, while bothtextile portions 105, 110 may be considered generally hydrophilic, thesecond textile portion 110 may be less hydrophilic than the firsttextile portion 105 (and vice versa). Alternatively, the portions 105,110 may possess identical wicking properties.

Along with liquid flow, the textile structure 10 further enablesmovement of air along and through the textile 10. While both the firsttextile portion 105 and the second textile portion 110 are airpermeable, the air permeability of the textile 10 along a channel 130,135 or pocket 140 is greater than the air permeability of the textilealong a spacer element 115. Accordingly, the channels 130, 135 orpockets 140 capture air and direct it out through the textile 10 (viathe first textile portion 105), enhancing air flow during physicalactivity, thereby creating a heat dissipating or cooling effect. In apreferred embodiment, the first textile portion 105 possesses highervapor permeability (breathability) than the second textile portion 110(in its unprinted state).

The textile 10 may be formed utilizing any process suitable for itsdescribed purpose. In an embodiment, the textile 10 is knitted to form aunitary structure. By way of example, the textile is formed via warpknitting. By way of further example, the textile 10 is a double knitjacquard formed via a process that simultaneously forms both textileportions 105, 110. While forming the second textile portion 110,knitting is selectively started and stopped at predetermined positionsto form spacer elements 115. Stated another way, the channels 130, 135or pockets 140 are formed wherever the knitting operation is suspended(creating regions that are substantially free of pile) and spacerelements 115 are formed wherever the knitting operation is resumed(creating regions including pile).

In other embodiments, the textile 10 possesses loop pile construction.By way of example, the textile 10 may be formed as described U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,065,600 or 5,547,733, the disclosure of each patent isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In still otherembodiments, the first 105 and second 110 textile portions areindependent layers secured together, e.g., via adhesive, stitching, etc.Accordingly, the textile 10 may possess a unitary construction, or maybe formed of multiple, distinct layers.

In order to control the properties of the article of apparel, thetextile 10 may be processed to selectively seal areas of the fabric andcompress the fibers, filaments or yarns forming the textile. In anembodiment, one or both textile portions 105, 110 may be compressed andsealed to minimize its breathability and/or fluid abortion properties.Specifically, the filaments, fibers, or yarns along the surface of atextile portion 105, 110 may compressed by an applicator and secured inits compressed state utilizing an adhesive or sealant composition.

In an embodiment, the textile 10 may be further processed to selectivelycompress and/or seal one or more of the spacer elements 115, as well asto selectively seal all or part of the channels 130, 135 or pockets 140.Specifically, one or more spacer elements 115 is fully or partiallycompressed by an applicator and secured in its compressed stateutilizing an adhesive or sealant composition. By way of example, thetextile 10 may be processed by a rotogravure apparatus configured tosimultaneously compress a selected spacer element 115 and apply anadhesive or sealant composition to the compressed spacer element.Referring to FIG. 4, the rotogravure apparatus 400 includes animpression roller 405, a gravure cylinder 410, and a tank 415 that holdsthe adhesive compositing or sealing agent 420. The cylinder 410 isengraved with surface cells (not illustrated) that captures the adhesivecomposition or sealing agent 420 from the tank 415 and transfers theadhesive to the textile 10. The cells are positioned on the cylinder 410such that they selectively register/align with one or more of the spacerelements 115 and/or one or more channels 130, 135 or pockets 140 on thetextile 10. Accordingly, when the textile 10 contacts the cylinder 410,the adhesive composition 420 is applied in a discontinuous pattern onthe front side of the textile, selectively compressing and securing thespacer elements 115 in their compressed state (FIGS. 5A and 5B)(discussed in greater detail below).

In another embodiment, the rotogravure is a reverse kiss gravure coater.Referring to FIG. 4B, the gravure cylinder 410 rotates in the oppositedirection of the substrate; moreover, an impression roller 405 is notutilized. Instead, the textile 10 passes between a pair of idler rollers430A, 430B, which are offset from the gravure cylinder 410. Accordingly,the textile 10, under tension, contacts (is pressed against) the gravurecylinder 410, transferring the adhesive composition and/or compressingthe spacer elements 115. An exemplary reverse kiss gravure apparatus andprocess is disclosed in WO1997007899A1, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In an embodiment, the speed of the roller may be approximately 30revolutions per minute, and the applied wet coating possesses athickness of no more than 30μm.

The adhesive composition 420 may be any adhesive suitable for itsdescribed purpose. For example, the adhesive includes a polymeric bindersuch as polyurethane. Polyurethane, while flexible, is effective to fillthe voids of the textile (i.e., the air passages present in each thefirst textile portion 105 and the second textile portion 110), reducingor preventing air from passing through at its point of application.

The adhesive composition 420 may further include insulating,heat-conducting, or heat-reflecting material dispersed in the binder. Byway of example, the adhesive composition 420 may contain inorganicmaterials such as ceramics (technical ceramics and refractorymaterials), as well as metals. By way of specific example, the adhesivecomposition may include silica (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN), zeolite,zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, aluminumnitride (AlN), alumina (Al₂O₃), silicon carbide (SiC), and magnesiumoxide (MgO), copper, aluminum, etc. In a preferred embodiment, thecoating includes silica capable of absorbing thermal energy such as bodyheat.

In an embodiment, the adhesive composition may possess a viscosity of nomore than 1000 mPa·s.

The adhesive composition 420 may be applied in any pattern suitable forits described purpose. In an embodiment, the adhesive composition 420 isapplied in an interrupted or discontinuous pattern. Preferably, thediscontinuous layer is configured such that the adhesive compositioncovers no more than 50% the surface area of the textile front face (theuser facing face). In an embodiment, the adhesive composition 420 isapplied as a vector pattern. Referring to FIG. 5A, the adhesive pattern500 includes a linear member 505A, 505B, 505C, 505 n+1 formed ofsegments 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D oriented at a predetermined angle A withrespect to each other (e.g., an acute angle). The dimensions of thelinear member 505A-505 n+1 (and thus of the segments 510A-510D) may beany suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, thetransverse dimension (width) of the linear member 505A-505 n+1 maycorrespond to the width/diameter of a spacer element. In otherembodiments, the transverse dimension of the linear member 505A-505 n+1may be greater or less than the transverse dimension (diameter) of aspacer element 115 and/or greater or less than the transverse dimension(width/height) of the channels 130, 135 or pockets 140. By way ofspecific example, the transverse dimension of each linear member505A-505 n+1 is approximately 1-5 mm (e.g., 2 mm or 3 mm).

The pattern 500 may further include a plurality of linear members505A-505 n+1 ordered to form a superstructure 515 such as a polygon and,in particular, a hexagon. As seen in FIG. 5A, the superstructure 515includes a plurality linear members 505A-505 n+1 disposed in a nestedarrangement. Each linear member 505A-505 n+1 is a partial hexagon withan apex 520 along the upper side of the nested arrangement and a brokenborder 525 along the lower side of the nested arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in an embodiment, the pattern 500 includes aplurality of superstructures 515 positioned adjacent each other in ahoneycomb-like manner, with adjacent rows being offset. The array ofsuperstructures 515 interconnected via a link 530. In an embodiment, thesecond linear member 505B of one superstructure 515 is connected to thefirst linear member 505A of a second superstructure along the link 530.

With these arrangements, the linear members 505A-505 _(n+1) can spanportions of the wearer, improving the capture and/or distribution ofthermal energy (e.g., body heat) generated by the wearer. That is, thelinear elements enable the efficient absorption and dispersion of heatover a wider surface area than, e.g., dots or circles. That is, if thefirst segment 510A of a linear member is positioned over an area of thebody generating heat, while the third segment 510B is not, the firstsegment will initially absorb heat. The absorbed heat will then travel(be conducted) between segments 510A-510 _(n+1). This is in contrastwith individual circles or squares, which, being spaced from each other,do not dispersing it along the surface of the wearer.

Formation of the textile 10 with selectively compressed spacer elementsis explained with reference to FIG. 6. First, the textile 10 is obtained(Step 605), e.g., formed via the knitting processes explained above. Thetextile 10 is placed in the rotogravure apparatus 400 (Step 610), wherethe impression roller 405 contacts the exposed (outer) surface of thefirst textile portion 105, urging the exposed (inner) surface of thesecond textile portion 110 (including the spacer elements 115) againstthe gravure cylinder 410. The cells of the gravure cylinder 410, havinga depth of 100 μm-200 μm (e.g., 150 μm), are configured to align withselected spacer elements 115. The cylinder cells will contact theselected spacer elements 115, compressing the spacer element to form acompressed spacer element 715 (FIG. 7A). While compressed, the cylinder410 applies/transfers the adhesive composition 420 to the surface of thetextile 10 (Step 615). The transferred adhesive composition 420 securesthe compressed spacer element 715 in its compressed state (FIG. 7B).After transfer, the applied adhesive composition 420 may be dried via aheater (at, e.g., 100° C.).

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the resulting textile 10includes a partially or fully compressed spacer elements 715 anduncompressed (expanded) spacer elements 115. Additionally, the adhesivecomposition 420 may be selectively transferred to a channel 130, 135 orpocket 140, sealing the channel with adhesive (Step 620) and reducingair permeability (breathability) at the point of application.

Once transferred, the adhesive composition 420 may completely cover aspacer element 715 (securing the entire spacer element in its compressedconfiguration) or may partially cover a spacer element 115 (securing aportion of the spacer element in the compressed configuration).Accordingly, the resulting textile 10 includes a plurality of expandedspacer elements 115 extending distally from the first textile portion105 at a first height and a plurality of compressed spacer elements 715extending from the first textile portion 105 at a second height, withthe second height being less than the first height. Depending on thepressure applied, the distal end of each compressed spacer element 715may be substantially or completely flush with the textile surface (i.e.,with the surface of the first textile portion 105), or may be slightlyrecessed into the textile surface. In compressed areas not including aspacer element 115, the surface including the compressed fibers,filaments, or yarns may be recessed or substantially flush with thesurrounding non-compressed areas, depending on the pressure applied.

The resulting textile 10 (and the article of apparel made therefrom)possesses improved thermoregulatory control compared to a textilelacking the adhesive composition. That is, the textile 10 possessesimproved heat retention and distribution capabilities without increasingthe overall weight of the textile/article of apparel (or increasing theweight by only a nominal amount). In the sealed areas, transmission offluid (liquid/air) through the textile 10 is delayed or prevented.Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that thebinder (e.g., polyurethane) of the adhesive composition 420 seals thetextile 10 by covering the pores or openings existing within the fabric,decreasing airflow and liquid flow therethrough. Decreasing the airpermeability of the textile (and thus of the article of apparel)increases its insulating properties of the textile. The heat of thewearer, moreover, is retained in the air pockets naturally existingbetween the wearer and the textile 10 (or between the textile andanother fabric layer).

Wearer comfort, however, is maintained. The adhesive composition 420,being applied as a discontinuous layer, maintains the breathability ofthe textile. In addition, any liquid contacting a sealed area may simplyroll of the sealed area to an unsealed area, being moved away from theuser.

In addition, the adhesive composition 420 may further include insulationor other heat retaining material, further increasing the insulationproperties of the composition, and thus the textile 10 (compared withthe textile printed with the adhesive composition lacking insulationmaterial). That is, if the adhesive composition 420 further includes aninsulating material, the composition is effective to decrease thermalconductivity through the textile, increasing its absorption of heat. Forexample, when silica is present in the adhesive composition 420, thesilica, having a specific heat capacity value that is greater than thatof, e.g., the textile 10 and/or the binder, is capable of absorbing heatfrom the wearer. Even when the heat energy is removed, the heatretaining material may then release the stored energy, warming themicroclimate around the wearer.

In still further embodiments, the heat retaining material may beselected to emit or radiate selected wavelengths back to wearer (e.g.,IR waves), when the heat source is removed.

Examples of heat retaining materials include ceramics such as AlO₂, ZnO,SnO₂, TiO₂, SiO₂, SiC and ZrC. The heat retaining material may bepresent in an amount of less than 50 wt % and, in particular, less than25 wt % (e.g., 2-10 wt %).

If the adhesive composition 420 includes a heat conductive material, theheat of the wearer will be absorbed and will be evenly dispersed alongthe composition, increasing the overall feeling of warmth, with the heatbeing transferred from a warmer part of the body to a cooler part.

Finally, if the adhesive composition 420 further includes aheat-reflective material, the composition is effective to reflect theheat of the wearer back towards the wearer, increasing the feeling ofwarmth.

Regardless of the type of adhesive composition used, the overall fluidcontrol characteristics remain intact since a substantial portion of thechannels 130, 135, pockets 140, and/or spacer elements 115 remainexposed (unsealed/unprinted). That is, while overall air permeability(breathability) is reduced, the article of apparel still retains asubstantial level of breathability, increasing user comfort. Thus, theinvention increases user warmth, adds minimum weight to the textile 10,and retains the base properties of the textile such as breathability.

In this manner, a garment can be provided that, while capable of movingsweat away from the wearer to provide the wearer with a feeling ofdryness, also provides a warming effect while worn.

In addition, since the adhesive composition or sealing agent 420 isapplied in a discontinuous pattern along the inner fabric surface, theresulting garment includes areas possessing different air permeabilityand/or heat retention values. Specifically, the area of fabric includingthe sealing agent possesses a first air permeability value, while thearea of fabric not including the sealing agent possesses a second airpermeability value. The second air permeability value is higher than thefirst air permeability value. Additionally, area of fabric including thesealing agent with a heat retaining or insulating material possesses afirst heat retention value, while the area of fabric not including thesealing agent with the heat retention material possesses a second heatretention value, with the second heat retention value being lower thanthe first heat retention value.

When the discontinuous pattern of FIGS. 5A and 5B is utilized, thearticle of apparel according includes not only alternating bands offirst and second air permeability values, but also alternating bands offirst and second heat retention values. Accordingly, it is possible tocontrol the level of insulation in the garment by selectively applying apredetermined amount of adhesive composition or sealing agent 420 to thetextile (the greater the coverage of the sealing agent 420, the lowerthe fluid movement and the greater the heat retention property of thegarment).

The textile 10 formed according to the principles of the presentinvention may be used in a number of different products. For example,the textile 10 may be incorporated into a shirt 800 (FIG. 8) where thesecond textile portion 105 is positioned along the inside of the shirt,facing the wearer.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. In at least one embodiment,the ceramic print covers about 25% to about 80% of the interior surfacearea of the article of apparel (e.g., about 35%-45%).

Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modificationsand variations of this invention provided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood thatterms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,”“length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “medial,”“lateral,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points ofreference and do not limit the present invention to any particularorientation or configuration.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of apparel for a wearer, the articleof apparel comprising: a fabric defining a first, inner surfaceconfigured to face the wearer and a second, outer surface opposite thefirst surface; a plurality of compression areas formed along the innerfabric surface, each compression area comprising compressed yarns; and asealing agent effective to reduce the air permeability of the fabric,the sealing agent applied to each compression area, the sealing agentsecuring the yarns in a compressed state.
 2. The article of apparelaccording to claim 1, wherein: the sealing agent is applied as adiscontinuous pattern along the inner fabric surface; an area of fabricincluding the sealing agent possesses a first air permeability value; anarea of fabric not including the sealing agent possesses a second airpermeability value; and the second air permeability value is higher thanthe first air permeability value.
 3. The article of apparel according toclaim 2, wherein the discontinuous pattern defines alternating bands offirst and second air permeability values along the fabric.
 4. Thearticle of apparel according to claim 3, wherein the sealing agentcomprises a binder and a heat retaining material.
 5. The article ofapparel according to claim 4, wherein the heat retaining material isselected from the group consisting of AlO₂, ZnO, SnO₂, TiO₂, SiO₂, SiC,ZrC, and combinations thereof.
 6. The article of apparel according toclaim 5, wherein: the area of fabric including the sealing agent furtherpossesses a first heat retention value; the area of fabric not includingthe sealing agent further possesses a second heat retention value; andthe second heat retention value is lower than the first heat retentionvalue.
 7. The article of apparel according to claim 6, wherein thediscontinuous pattern further defines alternating bands of first andsecond heat retention values along the fabric.
 8. An article of apparelformed from a textile defining an inner surface configured to face awearer and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the textilecomprising: a generally continuous first textile portion; and adiscontinuous second textile portion comprising a plurality of spacerelements extending distally from the first textile portion, each of thespacer elements oriented in spaced relation from adjacent spacerelements to define a gap between adjacent spacer elements, wherein theplurality of spacer elements includes a plurality of expanded spacerelements and a plurality of compressed spacer elements, each of thecompressed spacer elements being secured in its compressed state by asealing agent applied as a discontinuous pattern exposed along the innersurface of the textile, the discontinuous pattern contacting each of thefirst textile portion and the second textile portion along a continuousstretch extending between at least two of the compressed spacerelements.
 9. The article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein thesealing agent extends over and across the compressed spacer elements,thereby securing the compressed spacer elements in a compressedconfiguration.
 10. The article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein:each expanded spacer element extends from the first textile portion at afirst height; each compressed spacer element extends from the firsttextile portion at a second height; and the second height is less thanthe first height.
 11. The article of apparel according to claim 8,wherein the textile comprises hydrophobic yarn.
 12. The article ofapparel according to claim 11, wherein the textile consists essentiallyof hydrophobic yarn.
 13. The article of apparel according to claim 8,wherein the textile includes a greater number of expanded spacerelements than compressed spacer elements.
 14. The article of apparelaccording to claim 8, wherein the pluralities of compressed and expandedspacer elements are provided in an array on the first textile portion.15. The article of apparel according to claim 14, wherein the array is apattern selected from the group consisting of: a grid pattern definingintersecting channels within the second textile portion; a checkerboardpattern; and a brickwork pattern.
 16. The article of apparel accordingto claim 8, wherein the sealing agent is applied in a discontinuouspattern to define alternating areas of sealed and unsealed textile. 17.The article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein the sealing agentfurther comprises a heat retaining material selected from the groupconsisting of AlO₂, ZnO, SnO₂, TiO₂, SiO₂, SiC, ZrC, and combinationsthereof.
 18. A method of making an article of apparel including an innersurface configured to face a wearer and an outer surface opposite theinner surface, the method comprising: providing a generally continuousfirst textile portion and a discontinuous second textile portion, thesecond textile portion comprising a plurality of spacer elementsextending distally from the first textile portion, each of the spacerelements oriented in spaced relation from adjacent spacer elements todefine a gap between adjacent spacer elements; and applying a sealingagent to a subset of the spacer elements to secure each spacer elementsof the subset in a compressed state and resulting in a plurality ofexpanded spacer elements and a plurality of compressed spacer elements,the sealing agent applied as a discontinuous pattern exposed along theinner surface of the textile, the discontinuous pattern contacting eachof the first textile portion and the second textile portion along acontinuous stretch extending between at least two of the compressedspacer elements of the subset.
 19. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising, prior to applying the sealing agent, applying pressure tothe subset of spacer elements to render the subset of spacer elements ina compressed state.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising, afterapplying the sealing agent to the subset of spacer elements, arrangingthe first textile portion and the second textile portion on the articleof apparel such that the spacer elements are positioned on the innersurface of the article of apparel.